The Mizoram Committee for Democracy in Burma (MCDB) staged a sit-in demonstration in Aizawl city, Mizoram state, in India today, demanding the release of Burmese democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, under illegal detention by the Burmese military junta.
"We have gathered here to demand the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and it is the main purpose of our sit-in demonstration. We will write a letter to the woman President of India, Pratibha Devisingh Patil, demanding Suu Kyi’s release," a MCDB leader said.
The sit-in demonstration was joined by prominent political leaders and NGO members. The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) General Secretary, C. Chawngkunga said, "We would like to see the restoration of democracy in Burma." The Bharatya Janata Party (BJP-Mizoram) General Secretary K. Lalchamliana, Mizo National Front (MNF) former MLA Mr. Lalchhandama Ralte, Zoram National Party (ZNP) spokesman PC Vanlalruata and Mizoram People’s Conference (MPC) spokesman C. Hualthanga added that they empathized with the Burmese people oppressed by the military junta. They are supporting Suu Kyi and her party, the National League for Democracy so that they can restore democracy in Burma. They said they would like to urge the biggest democracy in the world -- India to initiate steps for restoration of democracy in Burma and have Aung San Suu Kyi released.
Mrs. Biakengi, general secretary of Mizoram Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) said that they view Aung San Suu Kyi as their role model as she has sacrificed her entire life for her countrymen despite suffering detention, different kinds of oppression and restrictions by the military junta.
Other NGOs – the Young Mizo Association (YMA), Mizo Student Union (MSU), Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) and Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP) also expressed their heartfelt good wishes for the Nobel Peace Laureate, who is facing a trial under charges of flouting her house arrest laws and harbouring an American man in her house.
Other Mizoram based democratic organizations - the Chin National Council (CNC), Women’s League for Chin Land (WLC) also actively participated. About 100 people participated in the demonstration which continued from 1 p.m. till 3 p.m.
CD was established in 2007 after the Saffron Revolution by monks in Burma. It has always protested against violence and violation of human rights by the Burmese regime. They have held protest demonstrations in Aizawl city earlier.
